WA1 Resources' (ASX:WA1) metallurgical test work on niobium mineralization from its Luni project in Western Australia showed that a two-stage flotation process using raw site water produced high-quality niobium concentrate, according to a Monday filing with the Australian bourse.

The bulk float open cycle tests yielded a weighted average grade of 44% niobium pentoxide at 54% overall recovery, the filing said.

Beneficiation, refining, and end-product test work programs are underway, with results to be used for integrated study works treams.

The completion of the pre-feasibility study for the project is expected in the fourth quarter of the year, per the filing.